Hi, I'm am thinking about building a case from scratch and I would like to know a few things about how to do it. My modding experience is basically just adding a side window to my NZXT Beta case, so I don't know much about this. I was hoping that I could find out: 1) Where to buy the parts such as aluminum, drive bays... etc? 2) What kind of tools I should use to build it with, and what to cut the metal with? 3) How to bend the metal and make it look good? So far I would like to make one similar to this: http://i.zdnet.com/blogs/digital-storm-blackops.jpg I do not have any tools(such as saws or clamps...) yet so I would like to buy those and the material for hopefully under $500 because I am only 14 and I don't have that much money.
the parts can be sourced in a local hobby store, drive bays ect. can be scavenged from old computers or bought from on line modding sites. the tools you need will be dependent on which materials you're working with, and what you want to do with them. (i guess alu sheets, so you'll need a good saw, a set of files, and a power drill.) for bending, you could buy a specialized tool, but constructing one yourself with some clamps, a few blocks of wood and a hammer, will - if used carefully - give a very good result for a fraction of the price. well, good luck!
Thanks for the info. I would also like to know some good sites for modding tools, and I would like to use around 2mm aluminum sheets if those are strong enough.
for metals, McMaster.com will be your best source... you can cut it with a jigsaw, dremmel, band saw or table saw... for bending metal, you will need a sheet metal brake for really nice bends... you can google it and find some home made solution... else you can buy a pre-made bending brake there is a box & pan brake that allows you to bend 3 sides of a corner... here's a link to a vendor that sells these... i find that this one is pretty versatile all in one solution... but costs and weighs quite a bit oh and one very good tool... google sketchup... learn it in an hour and you can design/plan your build to your heart's content... or as far as your wallet stretches...
bending already anodized aluminum or finished alum will not yield nice results... best bet is get raw materials, make the case, then finish it...
Ok, thanks. Do you know if I could brush the aluminum and then prime it, sand it, and paint it? And would it still look brushed.
kaos, may i suggest that you design your case first? take a gander at google sketchup, list out the materials and whatnot... easy way to assemble metal to resemble a case is to use L frames and flat panels... don't know how complex of a design you plan on doing... but it does take some decent amount of planning and a certain amount of knowledge in working with metal and machines... good luck with your build... as for brushed alum... sandpaper, steel wool will work... trick is in the strokes...
